Solo in Italy: Embracing La Dolce Vita |
Solo in Italy: Embracing La Dolce Vita |
November 30, 2024
Sometimes, when life feels stagnant, the best remedy is to book a flight and get away.
That’s exactly what I did when an invisible thread seemed to pull me back to Italy. It had been nine years since my first visit as a 16-year-old on a school trip—a lifetime ago. This time, I flew into Milan and out of Rome, ready to experience the country on my own terms.
Admittedly, I was nervous. Traveling solo as a young, single woman of color in a country where I didn’t speak the language was daunting. My mind raced with scenarios: dining alone, fumbling through Italian but accidentally responding in French (thanks to eight years of study), losing my luggage, or getting lost. But none of those fears came true.
From landing in Milan to my final taxi to the airport in Rome, everything went smoother than I could have imagined—aside from a missed connection and a 20-hour layover in Chicago, which became an unexpected adventure in itself!
Milano
Milan was a whirlwind, but even in just half a day, its energy reminded me of New York City. The bustling streets, impeccable fashion, and vibrant mix of modernity and history made for a memorable first stop. Fueled by my first cappuccino of the trip and a delicious breakfast the next morning, I was ready to embark on a road trip through Tuscany.
The next leg of my journey took me on a scenic 4-hour drive to the Tuscan town of San Gimignano. Driving in Italy was one of my biggest anxieties—winding roads, fast drivers, and unfamiliar rules seemed intimidating. But armed with an international drivers permit and hours of YouTube research on Italian driving etiquette, I took the plunge.
San Gimignano
The drive turned out to be magical. Passing through local highways, quaint towns, and sprawling farms, I found myself gaping at the postcard-perfect scenery of Tuscany. A quick break at a surprisingly delightful rest stop (Italian ones over American for sure) broke up the journey, and soon I arrived at my guesthouse. It sat perched on a hill, offering a million-dollar view of San Gimignano’s medieval skyline.
Between the olive groves, the quiet charm of the countryside, and the town’s timeless beauty, San Gimignano felt like stepping into a storybook, transporting you back to 1300 BC. It was the perfect place to start embracing the solitude of my solo adventure.
Siena
While exploring the Tuscan countryside, I spontaneously drove to the ancient Etruscan city of Siena—and it turned out to be the best day of my trip so far. With its breathtaking medieval architecture and 1,000-year-old walls still standing strong, Siena felt like stepping into a masterpiece. Every turn revealed a stunning view.
Sadly, I had to say goodbye to San Gimignano and the beautiful Tuscan countryside, and hit the road to Florence, kicking off the last leg of my solo journey.
Florence
Ah, Firenze—the city that stole my heart when I was 16. Just an hour’s drive from San Gimignano, I returned my rental car, stashed my luggage at the train station, and went to explore for a few hours before my train departure. Walking those familiar streets again and marveling at the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore as I did 9 years ago, truly felt like a beautiful wave of nostalgia.
One train ride later…
Rome
Rome, for a solo traveler, feels like stepping into a living museum, where every corner holds a story and every street whispers history. Walking through the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Roman Forum, you can’t help but feel the weight of centuries and the vibrant pulse of the present.
Staying in a cozy studio near the Trevi Fountain felt like a dream. Evenings were spent strolling to the fountain, gelato in hand, with the sound of jazz and local chatter filling the air.
On my birthday, I spent the day exploring ancient wonders, enjoying lunch in Trastevere, and hiking up Janiculum Hill for a breathtaking view of Rome’s skyline. While some might think celebrating a birthday alone sounds lonely, to me, it felt like a perfect date with Rome—and I savored every moment.
My solo trip to Italy was more than just a journey through beautiful cities and landscapes—it was a chance to reconnect with myself. From the fashionable streets of Milan to the rolling hills of Tuscany, the timeless charm of Florence, and the vibrant energy of Rome, every stop offered its own moment.
Throughout this trip, I discovered so much about myself—learning to stay present, appreciate the beauty around me, and embrace the solitude. And the best part? Celebrating my 26th birthday in one of the most beautiful countries in the world and stepping into the new year feeling inspired and excited for what's ahead.
Thank you for reading along and embarking on this journey with me. :)
With love, Namrata